Planners OK new cell tower law

San Marcos will have among strictest rules in county if City Council follows suit

SAN MARCOS  The San Marcos Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposed cell tower ordinance Wednesday night that would be among the strictest in San Diego County.

The new law, which the City Council is scheduled to consider Jan. 14, is in response to complaints from residents about unsightly "cell tower" farms.

The law would limit the number of towers per individual property, restrict where antennas can be erected and spell out how they should be shielded from view.

The commission voted 6-0 in favor of the proposed law, despite complaints from telecommunications companies and some residents.

The companies said the law won't be flexible enough to allow antennas to be placed in locations necessary to close cell coverage gaps.

Many residents have praised the new law, but some complained Wednesday that it should be more strict. They would like the list of areas where companies are "discouraged" from placing towers to be longer.

Other critics have said some of the regulations seem to be trampling on the property rights of land owners who allow towers on their property.

Steve Kildoo, a member of the Planning Commission, said he and his colleagues chose to endorse the proposed law because it was carefully crafted with the help of a consultant who has extensive experience regarding such issues.